Want Skin Like a Celebrity? Use Your Own Blood & Try PRP

Last week, I visited the skin gurus at Skin NV and tried one of the newest treatments for brighter, clearer skin. It’s called PRP, or Platelet Rich Plasma. Stars like Kim Kardashian have made this treatment, originally called the Vampire Facial, popular by using their own blood and growth hormones to erase years from their faces.

Recently, I was asked to be the Beauty Contributor for a new show called The Now Tampa Bay. Using growth hormones to promote beauty and anti-aging is all the buzz right now, so I asked the TV crew to come with me to Skin NV and see what PRP is all about.

What happens during a PRP treatment?

Numbing cream is applied to your face and stays there for about 45 minutes. Then blood is taken from your arm. The vile of blood is put into a centrifuge that spins the blood causing the plasma, which is loaded with your own growth hormones, to rise to the top. While the blood is spinning in the centrifuge, the numbing cream is removed from your face. A pen with tiny needles is then used to scrape and poke your face, causing injury to the skin.

{Me, post procedure}

Once the entire face has been penned, they rub the plasma from the blood they took and apply it generously to your face. The plasma should remain on your face for at least eight hours. During this time, you should not wash your face, sweat, or be in the sun.

Is it painful?

If the numbing cream does it’s job, the most you will feel during the penning portion of the treatment is tiny pricks and a lot of vibration. The pen has an oscillating tip that causes the vibrating sensation. When the pen is used around your nose, your eyes may water and you may feel like you have to sneeze. This is completely normal and expected. I found that the areas around my lips and the bridge of my nose were the most sensitive to the pen.

Afterward it feels like you have an intense sunburn. But once the plasma is applied, the face cools off and the redness begins to dissipate.

{After the plasma was applied.}

What is the science behind PRP?

For years, professional athletes have been using PRP therapy for physical injury. The athlete’s own plasma is injected into the joints, muscles, or other injury locations. Also, veterinarians have begun using the same concept to treat dogs and horses suffering from arthritis. It’s medically proven that the body has an amazing power to heal itself by using it’s own plasma and growth hormones.

Who’s a candidate for PRP?

PRP is ideal for individuals looking for gradual but noticeable improvement in skin texture, tone and color with minimal or no downtime. Those who have Rosacea may also see improvement after PRP. It is also ideal for reducing acne scars.

{PRP before and after photo from Skin NV.}

What areas can be treated?

The most common areas for PRP therapy include: fine wrinkles around the eyes, nasolabial grooves, wrinkles on the lips, acne marks, wrinkles on the forehead, wrinkles on the neck and chest, bags and dark circles under the eyes and loose and saggy skin. Depending on your goal, the plasma can also be injected under the skin in addition to being applied topically.

What benefits will you see after PRP?

You will see improved skin texture, smaller pore size, and overall glowing appearance within four weeks after treatment. Improvement of skin texture and tone are noticeable within three weeks and improvement continues for the next eight months as more collagen is produced. The results typically last two years or longer.

How many treatments are required to see results?

It depends on the condition of your skin and what results you are seeking, but the average is two to three treatments done four to six weeks apart.

How long is the downtime?

The pinkness after treatment may lasts about three days depending on how deeply the procedure was performed. Make-up may be applied the next day. Initial swelling will resolve within three hours.

Is it safe?

PRP skin treatments are extremely safe. Because PRP is produced from your own blood, there is no risk of an allergic reaction. In addition, PRP contains concentrated amount of white blood cells, your natural defenders against infections. As a result, infection is extremely rare with a PRP treatment.

How much does a PRP treatment cost?

Pricing can vary between $500-$1500

If you’d like to see the PRP treatment being performed, you can watch the news story here:

You can see more of Skin NV’s before and after photos here. If you live in the Tampa area and are interested in trying PRP, be sure to call Skin NV. They love making people feel great about their skin!

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